So to make a long story short I'm pretty versed in suspension, but at this point in my life I'm a semi broke college kid. My Z24 dd just crossed over 75k and the suspension is starting to get a bet noisy and not quite as sharp as I want it to be. I autocross this car a little bit, probably will do it a bit more after the fresh suspension, but first and foremost this is my dd so comfort and ground clearance are important too.
So my current plan is this:
Eibach Pro-Kit - just got one off ebay new for $190 shipped
Tokico HP struts all around - seem good for the money, but who here has actually used them?
and lastly but also important - new strut mounts on all 4 corners
I've already got a gm strut brace that I bolted to the firewall, Progress rear sway bar, and a homemade lower frame brace. Eventually I want to get the TTR Kbrace, but that's not important for this thread. My biggest question really is about the struts, and if they'll be a good combo with the springs I have? I'd like to get the AGXs, but that's $100 more that I'd rather spend on new strut mounts. Here also is a question, who makes a decent front strut mount? I've used KYB mounts in the past, but I've heard a lot of sketchy stories from people about the KyB mounts. I already bought some Gabriel mounts for the back because I found a good deal. I would've like to get the new poly/solid ones - but as referenced previously I just can't spend that extra jump.
So thoughts, ideas, concerns, anything is welcome, even criticism about me being a cheap bastard.
I just want to get the most bang for my buck, and I know there's a lot of people with a ton of different combos on here.
There has been some argument on this board about whether the Tokico HP struts are a practical match for lowering struts.
On one hand:
- They are an OEM replacement strut, which is normally bad news for lowering.
- The HPs lack adjustability -- a very desirable feature. If nothing else, it is nice to be able to change from a sporty ride to a more comfortable ride to keep the car versatile.
- It's unclear how Tokico would handle any service claims if something went wrong.
On the other hand:
- Tokico makes their own suspension package that includes lowering springs (about 1.5", comparable to the Eibach Pro-Kit), and their HP struts. It only stands to reason they wouldn't do this if they thought the struts were unsuitable.
- I believe I read an account of someone's discussion with a Tokico representative that claimed the internals of the HP struts are the same as those of the D-Specs.
Seems like they might be worth a try, if you know what you're getting into.
Shop Manuals, Brochures:
www.kenmcgeeautobooks.com
Tokico claims they are okay to be lowered on. I still have my doubts. Personally, I'd spend the extra $60 and get AGX's, but that's me.
he also has a 2nd gen, i dont know if kyb makes anything for them.
If this is for your 99 look into maybe getting some used. i'm selling a set of used kyb agx's for 200. never saw a drop.
i know wrong forum but at least he will not be bouncing aound like a rag doll.
StrippedCav98 (Now Quotable) wrote:he also has a 2nd gen, i dont know if kyb makes anything for them.
He stated in his post he was considering them. I'm pretty sure he's thinking of what to do for his
3rd Gen DD.
Thanks muffin, and everyone for your replies thus far. Yeah this is for my 3rd gen Jbody, I don't currently have a 2nd gen, however I used to have a 94 2.2 5 speed that I fell in love with - thats for another time though.
Nightmares - how many miles are on those agxs? And do you have all of the warranty paperwork for them still? Since they're lifetime warranty I'm not against buying a used set, I just don't want to be putting on something with more than xxxx amount of miles. So let me know, maybe we'll talk about em further
.
About the HPs, Tokico suggests them as being for performance -
http://www.hitachi-hap-la.com/TokicoGasShocks/products/hp/ But they're also vague as @!#$...
Kind of why I was looking for firsthand notes, but the search button brings up maybe 3 threads that anyone mentions the HPs in a sense that they've bought or used them. So.............. yeah. I know budget and performance don't go hand in hand, but I could be a lot worse about this too.
muffin wrote:StrippedCav98 (Now Quotable) wrote:he also has a 2nd gen, i dont know if kyb makes anything for them.
He stated in his post he was considering them. I'm pretty sure he's thinking of what to do for his 3rd Gen DD.
yea i glanced his profile once i guess i just missed the 3rd gen, oh well
anyway, i still dont trust the hps as anything more than stock struts. people use them to lower on and they say they work but i still would not use them. for the extra 50-100 bucks id get a nice set of adjustable agxs that are known to handle a 1.5" drop and are warrantied
Hey Kurt, I didn't know you were on here too...
Anyways, I would go like everyone else said and try to find a set of higher end struts, you won't be sorry. I ended up finding AGX's and Sportlines for my Cavalier for $300... I would like to move to a spring that's a little less drop by next year though.
Dan Trump
2004 Cavalier LS Sport - Victory Red
